Moorcroft potters mould their skills and craft new careers with union and council support

Founded in 1913 by William Moorcroft, the pot bank has been internationally-renowned for over a century for its distinctive, high-quality ceramics, in particular its Flambé ware. However, on 1st May this year, the company announced that it would cease trading, citing high energy costs as the prime factor.

The GMB has been at the forefront in supporting a campaign to save the company and find a new buyer. However, in addition to that, it has also been working hard to improve prospects for the experienced Moorcroft workforce whatever the outcome. They asked the TUC to come in and, working together, classes are now being held every Friday to which almost half of the workforce have signed up.

The TUC Midlands Learning Officer, Matt Pointon said, “We’ve worked closely with the GMB a lot on learning over recent years, particularly around situations like this. Last year we supported hundreds of members affected by the close of Wilkinsons. When we met with the Moorcroft workers, it was clear that they were passionate and experienced, but unused to job-seeking and promoting their skills.”

‘Unused’ is perhaps an understatement. Most Moorcroft workers were very happy with the company and had been there for decades. Indeed, when calculated, it was discovered that they had over a millennium and a half years of experience between them all!

After an open meeting with all members, the TUC and GMB teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Wavemaker, and classes in basic IT as well as CV support, interview skills training and support around transferable skills using the TUC’s Value My Skills tool is being offered. Twenty-four Moorcroft employees have signed up and things are going well. Julieanne Bowen, a Moorcroft worker for 27 years said “It’s my first time using a Chromebook, thank you to Wavemaker, I don’t feel like I’m in a dark place, having the support and guidance from Caroline at Stoke-on-Trent City Council,” whilst Julie Dolan, an employee of 45 years told us “I think everyone found something useful in the first meeting and we are all looking forward to concentrating on the computer course with Wavemaker, it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere and a good start to our learning experience.”

GMB Regional Organiser Chris Hoofe commented, “When a business like Moorcroft collapses the workforce are abandoned by the company. This is why it’s so important that GMB and the TUC can work together to offer help and support to members. It’s more than up-skilling. It helps members to understand their value and offers them hope for the future.”

Summing up, Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council stated, “I hope a buyer can be found for Moorcroft – and the government steps in to recognise the exceptional energy needs of the ceramics sector. But that aside, I really appreciate the work to upskill the workforce that  the GMB and TUC are doing. Our city’s workforce needs the chance to modernise our skills and it’s so much better when the union movement leads.”